Hamsters are very adorable creatures and make sweet pets. However, sometimes these animals need time to be friendly to their owners. If you want to tame your hamster, you will need to take the time to slowly introduce yourself and let it get used to your presence and smell. Make him feel safe by providing him with a comfortable place to stay and letting him approach you as much as he can.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Making Hamsters Feel Good
Step 1. Prepare a comfortable place to live
When buying a new hamster, you need to prepare a comfortable place for him to live. This means that you have to choose the right cage. In addition, you also need to place an absorbent cage base to maintain its comfort. This way, the hamster can defecate in the cage. Also, clean the soiled area of the cage every day and replace the entire cage about once a week.
Make sure to install a water bottle so your hamster can drink in the cage
Step 2. Feed your hamster regularly
Hamsters are omnivorous animals that live by eating animal and plant based foods. The most common type of food given is dry pellets, but it's a good idea to supplement your hamster's diet with treats such as raw fruits and vegetables several times a week.
- Usually, hamsters eat about 10 grams of dry hamster food, twice a day.
- As a snack, give small pieces of broccoli, peaches, cauliflower, or bananas. Don't give your hamster any kind of citrus (eg lemon or sweet orange) or acidic foods (eg onions) as this can trigger stomach upset in your hamster.
- In the first few days after buying a hamster, make sure you don't force it to see or interact with you. This is important to remember, especially at mealtimes. Just put the food in his cage and let him enjoy his food in peace. This will make your hamster feel safe in your presence.
Step 3. Wait for a week before you try to touch it
Give him time to get used to you and feel safe and at ease in his new cage. Don't force yourself to show physical contact with your hamster in the first week or two.
Sometimes, this process takes longer. It is important for you to be patient in the early stages
Part 2 of 4: Introducing Yourself
Step 1. Help your hamster recognize your voice
When you are near his cage, try to talk to him in a soft, calm tone of voice. Help him recognize your voice so he learns not to be afraid of you.
- You may need to be near the cage and take a few minutes (and a few times each day) to talk quietly to your hamster.
- You can even remove the top lid of the cage after the first few days so your hamster can hear your voice better. However, make sure your hamster doesn't escape from its cage.
Step 2. Give your hamster a treat
Start feeding him treats through gaps in the lattice of the cage or the opening in the top of the cage (depending on the type of cage you're setting up). When your hamster associates you with a treat, it can fight off its fear of you.
You can also rub the treat into the palm of your hand so your hamster can recognize your smell. Continue this tactic for a few days
Step 3. Wash your hands
Before trying to handle your hamster for the first time, wash your hands thoroughly. Thus, the smell of food that sticks to the hands will disappear. Don't let the hamster bite your hand.
You can wear gloves the first time you handle your hamster if you are afraid of being bitten
Step 4. Begin the interaction by carefully inserting your hand into the cage
When he wakes up, slowly insert your hand into his cage. Let him sniff your hand. Don't force him to do anything. If he seems frightened and walks away, get out your hand and try again in a week or two.
- You can also place a treat in the palm of your hand to keep your hamster from freaking out.
- Don't pull your hand right away if your hamster makes sudden movements when you want to rub or pick it up. You'll only frighten him even more, even if you're surprised by his moves.
Step 5. Pick up your hamster
After introducing yourself and making your hamster comfortable, you can try holding it or picking it up. Make sure you hold it tightly so that your hamster doesn't fall and get injured. In the end, the hamster will immediately run and climb into your hands.
- Never grip your hamster because he will see you as a threat. Open your hands and let them walk on their own onto your palms.
- If your hamster squeaks, he is feeling restless and you should immediately return him to his cage. Give him more time to get to know you before trying to pick him up again.
Part 3 of 4: Strengthening Bonds with Hamsters
Step 1. Try to make him feel safe
Your hamster may be nervous at first, but as you pet him and talk to him, he will eventually feel calmer. Make sure you read his body language. If he moves away or squeaks, return him to his cage. If he seems interested and approaches you comfortably, don't hesitate to continue the interaction.
Don't force your hamster to do something that scares him. This is dangerous for the bond you are building. In fact, the process of taming a hamster can take longer if you rush into action
Step 2. Keep interacting with it
Make sure you spend a lot of time with your hamster. The more time you spend on your hamster, the more courage your hamster will have to interact with you. Subconsciously, you can tame it quickly. He can also be a very tame and friendly pet.
Try holding your hamster for at least a few minutes each day. Otherwise, it will be difficult for him to get used to your presence. Of course, you also need to put in more effort to tame it
Step 3. Show her your love
Never forget it. Remember that you have a furry little friend who wants to play and interact with you. Give him lots of love and affection (and don't forget the treats!). This is the most important aspect of the hamster taming process.
The more you play with him, the more docile his personality becomes
Part 4 of 4: Dealing with Specific Problems
Step 1. Handle the hamster when it bites you
If he bites you, he's usually scared or anxious. Biting is a hamster's natural response to a source of fear. If he bites you, give him more time to get comfortable before you try to hold him. Keep talking to him and let him sniff your hand every now and then. However, don't force it into your hands in the next few weeks. Wait until he no longer seems anxious (indicated by a bite, shaking body, or squeaking sound) before you put your hand back in the cage.
- Be careful not to wake him while he is sleeping. This can startle him and bite you.
- Hamsters may also bite while your hands still smell of food. Therefore, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before handling them.
Step 2. Observe any health problems your hamster may have
Since hamsters are small animals, you need to observe them closely for any health problems that could potentially endanger their safety. Most hamsters are generally in good health, but health problems can quickly worsen in a small hamster's body.
- The biggest health problem that hamsters often experience is diarrhea. This condition requires immediate veterinary attention as hamsters can die from dehydration. Signs of diarrhea in hamsters are the buttocks that look wet and brown in color.
- A common medical complication of hamsters is the eye protruding from its socket. This disorder is usually caused by an eye infection or physical trauma. If the eyes look bulging, take your hamster to the vet immediately.
Step 3. Deal with behavioral problems among the hamsters you keep
Some hamster species are territorial species. This means that your hamster doesn't want to share its cage with other animals (including hamsters). If your hamsters are fighting with each other, you will need to permanently separate them into separate cages.
At the very least, make sure there are no enclosed areas in the cage that would allow one hamster to corner the other. Make sure you provide equipment in pairs so that the hamsters don't fight over food and water
Tips
- Make sure you always have wheels for your hamster to run at all times.
- You can teach your hamster tricks (eg stand up, paw, etc.) using treats.
- To teach him to stand up, hold the treat above his head until he stands up to pick it up.
- Change your hamster's food and water every day.
- Interact with him every day and play with him.
Warning
- It doesn't matter if your hamster bites. Maybe you startled him or he smelled food on his hands. Remember to always wash your hands before and after handling them.
- Do not disturb him while he is eating, drinking, or sleeping.
- Some hamsters are aggressive and fast, so they tend to bite or run away a lot. If you have a hamster that bites a lot, it's a good idea to wear gloves before handling it.
- It's a good idea not to keep two hamsters in one cage, unless you have a Roborovski or Russian species. Syrian hamsters can even fight and kill each other as adults when placed in the same cage.
- Prepare a cage large enough for the hamster. Stay away from certain branded cage products (eg Kaytee). Keep in mind that you need to provide at least 20 square centimeters of space for your hamster.
